Fire Ant Prevention

Red imported fire ants and their telltale mound nests should be
actively avoided. Interfering with a fire ant nest can cause them
to sting, resulting in painful welts. To prevent red ants from
entering a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and
crevices.

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Red imported fire ants (RIFAs, for short) get their common name
from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings. These dark
reddish-brown ants are an invasive species found throughout the
southern part of the U.S.

Habits

These red ants build large mound nests that are flattened,
irregular in shape, and between two and four square feet in size.
They are commonly introduced into new areas through potted plants,
shrubs and trees.

Habitat

Red imported fire ants usually nest in soil near structural
foundations or in landscaping. Although these fire ants are often
found outdoors, they can gain access to buildings through HVAC
systems and AC units.

Threats

Fire ants will sting humans who disturb a nest. The sting of a
red imported fire ant is painful and often results in a raised welt
that becomes a white pustule. Often, a person stung by red imported
fire ants will receive multiple stings from more than one of the
ants. Persons allergic to insect stings will react more severely to
red ant stings.